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Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 107 Google reviews · Running trail in Brooklyn, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 6 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic natural area with trails and a nature preserve for wildlife watching.
What runners say about Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve
“This water fowl preserve is tucked away and is accompanied by a beautiful area of rolling meadows with well maintained paths for walking.”
“This water fowl preserve is tucked away and is accompanied by a beautiful area of rolling meadows with well maintained paths for walking.”
“This park has some lovely trails and quiet places to explore.”
Interesting park with a nature preserve for waterfowl. A 5-6 mile trail that provides views of farmland mostly. The trail is very open so there are beautiful views of the sky and land far into the horizon. It's well maintained for being a state park in a remote area.
This water fowl preserve is tucked away and is accompanied by a beautiful area of rolling meadows with well maintained paths for walking. It was a great open sky area to view the rays of the sun through the rain clouds.
A very easy hike on flat terrain through farmland and forests. It’s a point to point Trail. Hike in, hike back out in the same direction. No trail markers needed. It’s a nice, peaceful 5 mile hike on the longer trail. This is also a great spot for birders and anyone who enjoys waterfowl.
I give it 4 1/2 stars. Super beautiful restored prairie. Its spectacular. Once you get off the bulldozed trail, the side excursions are fantastic. Beautiful marsh areas and a lake. Lots of birds. I try to walk it once a week.
Trail conditions & character
“This water fowl preserve is tucked away and is accompanied by a beautiful area of rolling meadows with well maintained paths for walking.”
“Make sure to check clothing and dogs for ticks though.”
“A 5-6 mile trail that provides views of farmland mostly.”
“This park has some lovely trails and quiet places to explore.”
“When you’re running through long, grassy areas with your pets off of the paved pathways it should be expected you’re going to pick up some ticks.”
Plan your run at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance6 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemichigandnr.com
- Phone(517) 467-7401
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Brooklyn
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Nan Weston Nature Preserve at Sharon Hollow
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Nature preserve known for its wildflowers and other native plants, and boardwalks.
Riverbend Preserve
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Tranquil option offering multiple trails through woodlands, meadows and along the River Raisin.
Bicentenial Park
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Indian Crossing Trails Park
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Recreation area with hiking trails, a mill pond, picnic tables, and playgrounds.